Southwest Florida labor force up in April 2024

FloridaCommerce announced that the Southwest Florida labor force increased by 4,339 over the year in April 2024. The Fort Myers area labor force grew by 2,372 over the year in April 2024, a 0.6 percent increase, and the Naples area labor force increased by 1,967 over the year, a 1.0 percent increase. The Naples area had a 2.9 percent unemployment rate in April 2024, a 0.7 percentage point increase over the year. Fort Myers area unemployment rate was 3.3 percent in April 2024, up 0.7 percentage point over the year.

Additionally, the Fort Myers area’s private sector employment grew by 3,000 jobs (+1.2 percent) over the year in April 2024. The Fort Myers area industries gaining the most jobs over the year were construction, increasing by 2,000 jobs; government, increasing by 1,600 jobs; and trade, transportation, and utilities, increasing by 1,500 jobs.

The Naples area industry gaining the most jobs over the year was leisure and hospitality, increasing by 1,200 jobs. The Naples area private sector employment increased by 3,200 jobs (+2.0 percent) over the year in April 2024.

Job creators continue to demonstrate great confidence in Florida’s economic ecosystem through their investments, creating high-skill, high-wage jobs that make Florida a more competitive state to live and work in. Florida offers hundreds of workforce education and workforce development opportunities for job seekers to gain the skills they need to compete in such an elevated and more competitive job market, ensuring economic resiliency and success for generations of Floridians to come.

Florida’s statewide unemployment rate was 3.3 percent in April 2024, 0.6 percentage point below the national rate of 3.9 percent. Florida’s unemployment rate has remained below the national rate for 42 consecutive months. Under Governor Ron DeSantis’ leadership, Florida has made strategic investments in workforce development that have resulted in Florida ranking:

• #1 state in the nation for higher education
• #1 state in the nation for talent development
• #1 state in the nation for entrepreneurship

Data in the month of April continues to indicate there are many job opportunities available for every Floridian who wants to work, with more than 421,000 jobs posted online. Floridians in search of work and new job opportunities can utilize the CareerSource Florida network for help. Floridians can find guidance on how to register with Employ Florida and search listings of available local job openings. Career seekers also can improve their employability by perfecting resume writing and interviewing skills, establishing career goals, and pursuing customized career training. These services are provided at no cost to job seekers.